What Are Cargo Void Fill Solutions?

Cargo void fill solutions are structural load stabilization systems placed inside trailers, shipping containers, and railcars to eliminate empty space between and around freight units after loading. When unfilled gaps exist inside a transport vehicle, cargo shifts freely under braking, acceleration, and vibration forces, leading to freight damage, product loss, and costly claims before the load reaches its destination.

The right industrial void fill system prevents the cargo movement that causes freight damage during handling, long-haul transport, and intermodal transfers. Without correct void fill coverage, even well-secured loads sustain avoidable damage from the structural forces experienced throughout the supply chain.

A correctly specified cargo void fill system reduces freight damage claims, lowers return rates, and protects load integrity on every outbound shipment. DSI supplies a complete range of industrial freight void fill solutions for standard trailer configurations, bulk container loads, trailer load securement, and large-format freight applications across every major transport mode and industry.

Void Filler Products

Dunnage Systems supplies seven industrial cargo void fill systems covering structural and positional void fill applications for freight operations. All products are available to order with custom sizing services available. Select the product that matches your cargo type, trailer configuration, and shipment volume.

Drop Down Void Fillers

Secure. Customize. Economize.

Drop down void fillers are an industrial cargo void fill system designed to secure single pallet units from side shifting inside trailers and containers. Using dual corrugated material construction, they protect freight against side shifting and creeping toward container sidewalls — enhancing the stability of single pallet loads positioned in the center of transport vehicles. Available in dual drop and center drop configurations.

Key Features:

  • Secure single pallet units from side shifting
  • Maintain proper axle weight distribution
  • Promote overall load stability throughout transit
  • Available in dual drop and center drop configurations
  • Ships folded and flat for easy dock storage
  • Lightweight for easy installation without tools
  • Reusable and 100% recyclable

Drop Down Void Fillers – Key Features Detail

Enhanced Cargo Protection

Using dual corrugated construction, drop down void fillers protect freight against side shifting and creeping toward container sidewalls throughout the full freight journey. This enhances load stability for single pallet units positioned in the center of trailers and boxcars, preventing the lateral drift that causes pallet-to-wall contact and freight damage during transit.

Customized Solutions

Drop down cargo void fill panels are sized to match the specific requirements of your freight configuration. Drop length and filler width are customizable, providing a precise fit for your trailer configuration and load profile without modification at the dock. Custom sizing eliminates gaps and ensures consistent void coverage across every shipment.

Cost-Effective

Designed as an economical industrial void fill system for freight operations, drop down fillers are suited for stretch-wrapped loads across standard trailer and boxcar configurations. They maintain proper axle weight distribution while delivering a reliable cargo stabilization solution on every outbound shipment, balancing cost efficiency with consistent freight protection.

Easy to Use

The design of drop down cargo void fillers makes them fast to deploy, reducing the time and effort required for load securement at the dock level. Ships folded flat for minimal storage space requirements. Installation requires no tools or equipment, making them practical for high-volume loading operations where dock throughput is a priority.

Dual Drop Down Void Fillers

Double the coverage. Same simple installation.

Dual drop down void fillers operate across two drop positions simultaneously over a single trailer load, filling both side voids in one installation step. They prevent side shifting of freight positioned away from container walls and are suited for wide trailer configurations where single-position drop down coverage is insufficient for the load width. Reusable and 100% recyclable.

Key Features:

  • Fills both side voids simultaneously in one installation
  • Prevents cargo side shift for loads positioned away from walls
  • Suited for wide trailer and boxcar configurations
  • Compatible with stretch-wrapped and standard pallet loads
  • Customizable drop length and filler width to match load profile
Honeycomb Void Fill Packaging

Structural layer separation for palletized freight.

Honeycomb void fill packaging provides structural compression resistance between freight layers and around cargo units inside trailers and containers. The hexagonal cell core distributes load forces across the full panel surface, preventing layer collapse, product crushing, and damage caused by compressive forces during transit. Available in standard and custom die-cut panel dimensions for freight applications.

Key Features:

  • Distributes compression force across the full panel surface
  • Prevents layer collapse in palletized freight configurations
  • 100% paper-based, fully recyclable and biodegradable
  • Compatible with food-grade and chemical freight environments
  • Available in custom die-cut dimensions for specific cargo profiles
Bulkhead Panels

Lengthwise freight separation for trailer and container loads.

Bulkhead panels are structural void fill barriers positioned lengthwise inside trailers and containers to separate freight zones and prevent longitudinal load movement. Used in mixed-freight and multi-stop shipments where cargo separation and load containment between delivery points is required. Corrugated construction provides structural rigidity without adding significant weight to the load.

Key Features:

  • Separates freight zones in multi-stop and mixed-load shipments
  • Prevents longitudinal cargo movement between delivery points
  • Structural corrugated construction for trailer and container use
  • Suitable for securing irregularly shaped and non-rectangular cargo
  • Made from durable corrugated void fill materials for tough freight conditions
  • Hassle-free fitting across different cargo setups for a secure hold
Box Style Void Filler

Corner and perimeter void fill for container freight.

Box style void fillers are structural cargo void fill panels designed to fill perimeter and corner gaps inside shipping containers and boxcars. They address the irregular void spaces that standard drop down panels cannot reach, providing corner protection, perimeter fill, and cargo containment for loads where side and end voids require targeted coverage.

Key Features:

  • Fills corner and perimeter voids in container and boxcar freight
  • Addresses irregular void positions that drop panels cannot cover
  • Provides side and end containment for non-standard load profiles
  • Suitable for securing irregularly shaped and non-rectangular cargo items
  • Made from durable corrugated void fill material for tough shipping conditions
  • Hassle-free fitting into different cargo setups for a secure hold
Bakpak Fillers

Side void reduction for loads positioned away from container walls.

Bakpak fillers reduce side voids in freight operations for shipments positioned away from container walls. Their corrugated bulkhead design addresses pallet under-hang and supports proper airbag placement for balanced load distribution. They provide a reliable cargo void fill option for intermodal and trailer applications, easily secured with a top hanger or stretch film as part of a complete freight securement setup.

Key Features:

  • Void reduction: reduces empty spaces for secure airbag placement
  • Flexible installation: compatible with top-hanger and film integration
  • Load compatibility: works with a wide range of cargo types and configurations
M-Type Space Fillers

Large lengthwise gap fill for heavy load axle weight management.

M-Type space fillers are designed to fill large lengthwise gaps inside trailers and containers to improve axle weight distribution across heavy freight loads. They address axle weight compliance challenges for long-haul shipments by providing balance and stability throughout transit while adapting to fit specific cargo sizes and load requirements. Suited for boxcar and rail freight applications.

Key Features:

  • Helps distribute weight evenly to address axle load compliance issues
  • Fills large lengthwise gaps for better cargo alignment and load balance
  • Adaptable to fit specific cargo sizes, trailer lengths, and load requirements

Void Filler Product Specifications

All cargo void fill systems are available with custom sizing and design services. Each freight void fill system is specified by material type, primary application, axle weight function, and reusability to help procurement teams match the right product to their exact load configuration.

Inflator Comparison by Type
Product Length Range Thickness Mode of Transport
Drop Down Void Fillers 24 to 108″ 3 to 30″ Boxcar (Rail), Intermodal (Sea), OTR (Truck), Roll Paper in Boxcars
Dual Drop Void Fillers 24 to 60″ 24 to 36″ Boxcar (Rail) & Intermodal (Sea)
Box Style Void Fillers 16 to 28″ 4 to 24″ Boxcar (Rail) & Intermodal (Sea)
Fan Fold Void Fillers 36 to 72″ 4 to 16″ Boxcar (Rail) & Intermodal (Sea)
BakPak Void Fillers 24 to 120+” 1 to 36″ Boxcar (Rail), Intermodal (Sea), OTR (Truck)
M-Type Void Fillers 24 to 96″ 48″ Boxcar (Rail)

How to Choose the Right Void Filler for Your Shipment?

Four factors determine which industrial void fill solution is right for your freight and transport configuration. Match these to your load profile and shipment requirements before placing an order.

Cargo Type and Load Shape

Standard rectangular pallet loads positioned in the center of the trailer use drop down void fill panels. Non-rectangular cargo and bulk freight loads use box style void fillers. Loads with large lengthwise gaps inside containers need M-Type space fillers. Fragile freight in containers needs honeycomb void fill panels for structural layer separation.

Transport Mode and Cargo Position

Freight positioned away from container walls needs dual drop down void fillers or bakpak fillers to fill side voids and support airbag placement. Cargo in boxcars and trailers with lengthwise voids needs bulkhead panels or M-Type fillers. Confirm your trailer configuration and cargo position before selecting a void fill panel type.

Axle Weight and Load Distribution

Operations running long-haul freight loads with axle weight compliance requirements need M-Type space fillers or drop down cargo void fill systems. Bakpak fillers support pallet under-hang and airbag positioning for loads where axle weight balance across the trailer is a concern.

Sustainability and Reusability

All cargo void fill systems are made from corrugated and honeycomb paper materials that are fully recyclable and reusable across multiple freight cycles. Drop down and dual drop down panels ship folded flat – reducing storage space and supporting reuse across multiple shipments. Confirm reusability requirements with our team when placing a bulk order.

Effective Cargo Protection on Every Shipment

The right industrial void fill panels prevent the freight movement that causes product damage during drops, vibration, and transit. Drop down panels, bulkhead panels, honeycomb void fill, and M-Type space fillers each address a specific void position inside the trailer or container, ensuring complete load stability from dock departure to destination.

Lightweight, Foldable, and Easy to Handle

All cargo void fill systems from DSI ship folded and flat, requiring minimal storage space at the loading dock. Drop down and dual drop down panels are lightweight enough for one-person installation without tools or equipment. Fast installation reduces loading time per trailer and improves dock throughput across high-volume freight shipping operations.

Why Freight Operations Choose DSI Cargo Void Fill Systems?

Axle Weight Compliance Support

Drop down void fillers, M-Type space fillers, and bakpak fillers are specifically designed to help maintain proper axle weight distribution across long-haul heavy freight shipments. Correct void fill placement directly supports regulatory compliance for axle load limits, reducing the risk of overweight violations and carrier liability exposure on every shipment.

Reusable and 100% Recyclable

All cargo void fill systems are made from corrugated and honeycomb paper materials that are fully recyclable and designed for reuse across multiple freight cycles. Drop down and dual drop down void fill panels fold flat and are redeployed on the next outbound load, reducing per-shipment packaging material cost and supporting sustainable freight operations over time.

Custom Designed for Your Exact Load Profile

Every cargo void fill system from DSI is available to order with custom sizing. Drop length, filler width, and panel dimensions are customized to match your specific trailer configuration, cargo dimensions, and void profile. Custom design services are available on every product, ensuring a precise fit without modification or waste at the dock.

How to Use Void Fillers?: Five Steps to Damage-Free Cargo

Correct cargo void fill installation takes under five minutes per position. Follow these five steps to fill every gap and stabilize every load before the trailer or container is sealed.

1
Assess_the_Load_and_Identify_All_Void_Positions

Assess the Load and Identify All Void Positions

Load your freight into the trailer or container following your standard plan. Before sealing, walk the load and identify every gap between cargo units, between freight and the sidewalls, and along the lengthwise axis of the trailer. Note the void type at each position to confirm which cargo void fill product is required for each location.

2
Select_the_Correct_Void_Filler_for_Each_Position

Select the Correct Void Filler for Each Position

Match the cargo void fill system product to each void type. Side voids between freight and walls use drop down or dual drop down panels. Lengthwise gaps use M-Type space fillers or bulkhead panels. Non-rectangular cargo positions use box style void fillers. Bakpak fillers address pallet under-hang and airbag positioning requirements.

3
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Install the Void Filler into Position

For drop down and dual drop down void fillers, unfold the panel and drop it into position over the freight following the installation configuration for your load profile. For bulkhead panels and M-Type fillers, slide the panel into the lengthwise gap between cargo units. For bakpak fillers, position the bulkhead design behind the pallet with the hanger secured at the top.

4
Confirm_Full_Void_Coverage_and_Stability

Confirm Full Void Coverage and Stability

After installing all void fillers, check each position for complete coverage with no visible gaps remaining around the freight. Confirm drop down panels are seated correctly and touching both the cargo and the container sidewall. For bakpak and M-Type panels, confirm the panel holds its position without sliding before sealing the load.

5
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Seal and Clear for Shipment

With all void positions filled and confirmed, the freight load is ready to seal and depart. Void fill systems in corrugated and honeycomb construction are fully recyclable — panels can be removed, folded flat, and redeployed on the next outbound load. Record panel types and positions used on the shipment documentation for freight claim purposes.

Certifications and Quality Standards

Industries We Serve

Our dunnage airbags are trusted by shippers across a wide range of industries.
If your business moves palletized goods, we have a solution built for your load.

Automotive Parts
Food and Beverage
Paper and Pulp
Chemical and Industrial
Consumer Goods and Retail
Building Materials
Pharmaceuticals
Electronics and Technology
Agriculture and Grain
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Void Fillers

    What is a void filler?

    A void filler is a structural or cushioning material placed inside a trailer, container, or box to fill the empty space around cargo after loading. It prevents cargo from shifting, side sliding, or collapsing during transit. Void fillers include drop down panels, bulkhead slabs, honeycomb packaging, box style inserts, bakpak panels, and M-Type space fillers for different void positions and cargo types.

    Void fillers used in freight include drop down and dual drop down panels for side voids in trailers, bulkhead panels for lateral and lengthwise void separation, box style cardboard void filler inserts for non-rectangular cargo, bakpak fillers for pallet under-hang support, M-Type space fillers for lengthwise gap and axle weight management, and honeycomb void filler packaging for fragile cargo protection.

    Drop down and dual drop down void fillers from Dunnage Systems are designed for reuse across multiple shipment cycles. They ship folded and flat, install quickly at the dock, and can be collected, folded, and returned to stock after unloading at the destination. Bulkhead panels, bakpak fillers, and M-Type space fillers are single-use. All products are made from 100% recyclable corrugated and honeycomb paper materials.

    Yes. All void filler products from Dunnage Systems are made to order with fully customizable dimensions. Drop length, filler width, panel height, and slab thickness are all specifiable at the time of order. Submit your trailer dimensions and load profile through our quote request form and our team will design the correct cargo void filler system for your exact configuration.

    You can purchase all seven void filler products directly from Dunnage Systems Incorporated, a USA-based manufacturer located in Little Rock, Arkansas. We manufacture drop down panels, dual drop down panels, honeycomb void filler packaging, bulkhead panels, box style inserts, bakpak fillers, and M-Type space fillers to order for freight operations across all 50 states. Call (870) 942-4830 or submit a quote request for a same-day response.

    Ready to Secure Your Freight Load?

    Contact Dunnage Systems to request a specification on the right industrial cargo void fill system for your freight operation. Whether you need drop down panels for standard trailer lanes or a custom cargo void fill system for a non-standard load configuration, our team confirms the right product for your exact trailer and load profile.

    Protect Cargo Now! (870) 942-4830